Chopra urges cautious workload management for Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka after aggravating a recurring left knee problem, with the first Test scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15 and Shubman Gill leading the Indian side.

Former India batter and commentator Aakash Chopra, speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, urged a flexible approach to managing Bumrah’s workload and argued the team should prioritise the bowler’s long-term fitness. Chopra said: "If you have a genius like Jasprit Bumrah, and if his body needs some rest, if his workload needs to be managed, why would you not do it? Bumrah is a genius. Many people believe that if you are fit, then you should play. If you are not, then don't play." He added that India can cope in Bumrah’s absence but should not risk compromising his future availability.

Bumrah aggravated the left knee issue while fielding during India’s ODI against England in Cardiff on July 16. The 32-year-old is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and there is no official timeline set for his return to the national squad. Uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi has been added to the Test squad as Bumrah’s replacement.

The Indian selection for the Sri Lanka Tests reinforces the depth being called upon while Bumrah recovers; he has been among India’s most important performers across formats in recent years, and his workload has become a recurring conversation because of past injury setbacks. Chopra reiterated that giving Bumrah necessary breaks is a straightforward decision when his body requires them.

India’s Test squad named for the tour includes KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan alongside captain Shubman Gill.

With Bumrah unavailable for the upcoming matches, India will need to adjust their pace-bowling plans for the series in Sri Lanka. The first Test begins in Galle on August 15, and Bumrah will not be part of the playing XI for that match.